Abstract: Automation system with computerized numerical control includes at least two data processing levels, particularly a data block preparation level and a data block processing level, and a clock time-registering unit assigned to the particular data processing levels for registering clock times of subsystems in the particular data processing levels, and a unit for comparing the clock times—and relating them to each other in terms of time—registered for the particular data processing levels.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. One embodiment provides an industrial automation system an emergency stop system configured to interrupt power to at least a portion of an industrial control system. The industrial automation system further includes a user perceptible indicator associated with the emergency stop system that in use provides an indication to a user of an operative state of the emergency stop system.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to automated performance of a plant process in a control system included in a production management system. The control system including a processor that is configured with integration model code for executing an integration model. The processor is configured to integrate various software systems by establishing a connection to an enterprise resource planning system and exchange information between the plant process and a business process such that production data are received from the processes substantially in real time and an updated status of a production order is received continuously. The integration model includes placeholders associated with variables for at least one of events, devices and plants, placeholders associated with functions to be executed, functionalities which link the variables and call up the functions, mappings of parameters between the software systems to be linked, and requests for loading information from one software system to another.

Abstract: A method for detecting a mechanical overload condition of an energized linear actuator to prevent commanding an activation signal to the linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator includes monitoring feedback variation of a movable element associated with the linear actuator including monitoring a present feedback signal of the movable element, monitoring a previous feedback signal of the movable element, comparing the present feedback signal and the previous feedback signal and determining the feedback variation based on the comparing. The feedback variation is compared to a feedback variation threshold. An input signal associated with the activation signal for controlling the linear actuator is monitored and the input signal compared to an input signal threshold. The electrical overload condition is detected when the feedback variation is less than the feedback variation threshold and the input signal is greater than the input signal threshold.

Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.

Abstract: A control system of a technical installation including at least one field device which makes available at least two redundant protocol values that are converted by the control system into a single non-redundant functional value is provided. The control system is provided with at least two redundant communication channels for converting the at least two redundant protocol values, the channels controlling the respective protocol value with respect to its exactitude and transmitting an exact protocol value.

Abstract: A system and method for comparative analysis of sound data obtained from client equipment includes a portable sound detection device with a transducer to collect sounds from equipment, convert the collected sounds into analog signals, and generate digital data files including sound data representative of the collected sounds. The data files are stored in a web-based database and remote server-based program modules aggregate data associated with the data files with previously stored and related data across a plurality of predetermined data parameters. The program executes or enables identification of outlying data points with respect to data points from the sound data, and the comparison of sound data with baseline data determined the equipment type, the location and the aggregated data. The program then executes or enables identification of data points from the sound data representative of an equipment failure, or an imminent failure thereof.

Abstract: A method for executing mechanical overload protection to prevent commanding a control signal to a linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator when an overload condition of the linear actuator is detected, the linear actuator utilized for controlling a movable element associated with the linear actuator responsive to the control signal, includes monitoring an overload condition based on position change of the movable element associated with the linear actuator during an integration period and excess energy during the integration period, de-energizing the linear actuator when an overload condition has been detected, monitoring an overload retry counter based on the number of cycles the overload condition is detected, comparing the overload retry counter to an overload retry threshold, an reenergizing the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is less than the overload retry threshold and maintaining de-energizing of the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is at least

Abstract: The present invention is a sample processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample; a display; a memory for storing an electronic manual for the sample processing apparatus; and a controller that is capable of showing a relevant part of the electronic manual on the display when a trouble has occurred in the sample processing unit, the relevant part of the electronic manual describing an operation procedure to deal with the trouble.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.

Abstract: A control device for generating a second trigger with a delay of a predetermined time from generation of a first trigger, the control device having: a counter for counting numbers from 0 to n?1 at a frequency with cycles of a first period; a control section, which operates at a frequency with cycles of a second period that is longer than the first period, for calculating a remainder of a division by adding a number of counts of the counter corresponding to the predetermined time to a count value of the counter at the time of generation of the first trigger and by dividing a result of the addition by n; and an output section for outputting the second trigger at a time when the count value of the counter becomes equal to the remainder.

Abstract: A system includes at least one piece of equipment. The system also includes a state detector adapted to measure one or more operating parameters of the equipment. The system has a signature generator adapted to encode a plurality of data streams from the state detector into an operating signature for the equipment.

Abstract: A virtual reality encounter system includes motion sensors positioned on a human user. The motion sensors send motion signals corresponding to movements of the user as detected by the motion sensors relative to a reference point, the motion signals are transmitted over a communications network. The system also includes a humanoid robot, receiving, from the communications network, the motion signals to induce movement of the robot according to movement of the human user.

Abstract: The controller includes a differentiating engine configured to receive an input signal value (ISV), wherein the ISV corresponds to state information for one selected from a group consisting of a controlled process and a user interface. The differentiating engine is further configured to determine an error between the ISV and an estimated input signal (EIS), estimate a frequency of the IS, select a plurality of pre-determined gains using the frequency, wherein at least one plurality of pre-determined gains is a suction control gain, determine a first estimated derivative of the input signal (EDIS) using the plurality of pre-determined gains and the error, and to output the first EDIS.

Abstract: A system for detecting a control loop interaction between two or more control loops. The system includes a processing circuit configured to store a history of detected loop disturbances for a plurality of control loops. The processing circuit is also configured to compute a measure of interaction between control loops using the history of detected loop disturbances. The processing circuit is further configured to determine whether a loop interaction exists based on the computed measure of interaction.

Abstract: To provide a substrate processing apparatus, including a control unit that performs control to transfer a prescribed substrate into each chamber, wherein when error is detected during transfer of the substrate, the control unit performs control to: specify a place where the error is generated; select a fallback operation table according to a processing status of the substrate, which is the table defining a processing content for each part of the substrate processing apparatus including the place where the error is generated; and transfer the substrate based on the selected fallback operation table.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product to control position of an error control module in a lithography apparatus using a servo control loop is described herein. The system comprises a filter, a servo controller coupled to the filter and configured to receive a control signal and an actuator coupled to the servo controller and configured to control the position of the error control module. The filter is configured to filter the control signal by modulating the amplitude and phase of the control signal in a desired frequency range, prior to the servo control loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the packet-oriented transmission of security-relevant data. One task of the invention is the provision of a way for the packet-oriented transmission of security-relevant data ensuring —under the guarantee of a considerably enhanced user data rate —a high level of protection against statistical and systematic errors with an insecure transmission medium. The invention provides, particularly for the use of at least one parallel and/or serial network and/or bus system, a process and devices for the packet-oriented transmission of security-relevant data allowing the transmission of security-relevant data and a redundant information that is based on the data in different packets.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to adjust control loop timing in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a first input signal generated via a first process control device within a process control system, determining within the process control system if the first input signal is received during a first scheduled time period of a control loop, and adjusting within the process control system a timing of a subsequent input signal received from the first process control device to cause the subsequent input signal to be received during a subsequent scheduled time period of the control loop, wherein the timing of the subsequent input signal is based on at least when the first input signal was received.

Abstract: A method for virtual communication relationship extraction, availability determination and validation from a foundation fieldbus device descriptor file can include obtaining a number of virtual communication relationships for fieldbus and linking devices coupled to a host system, identifying types of the virtual communication relationships for the fieldbus and linking devices, configuring function blocks related to the fieldbus and linking devices, reporting a count of consumed virtual communication relationships and available virtual communication relationships for the fieldbus and linking devices, determining an availability of a total number of virtual communication relationships and in response to no availability of virtual communication relationships, generating a message on the host system.

Abstract: A system and method are provided. The system comprises a first and second processor, and a cross-signaling interface. The first processor executes instructions. The second processor executes the instructions in lockstep with the first processor. The cross-signaling interface is coupled between the first and second processors and is for signaling both an unanticipated altered state a location of the unanticipated altered state in the first processor to the second processor to cause the second processor to emulate the unanticipated altered state in lockstep with the first processor. The method comprises: executing instructions in a first processor; executing the instructions in a second processor in lockstep with the first processor; detecting an error condition in the first processor; transmitting information about the error condition to the second processor; processing the error condition in the first processor; and causing the first and second processor to emulate the error condition in lockstep.

Abstract: A motion control servo loop apparatus, comprising: a feed-forward control module, and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control loop and a compensation adder. The feed-forward control module is capable of generating a feed-forward compensation. The PID control loop further comprises: a proportional control module, an integral control module and a derivative control module. The proportional control module is capable of generating a proportional compensation. The derivative control module is capable of generating a derivative compensation. The integral control module uses a digital differential analyzer (DDA) algorithm to perform integration for accumulated errors with respect to each sampling clock at each DDA pulse and thus output an accumulated error, which is then processed to generate an integral compensation.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for reducing an error in a controlled variable via model predictive control. A predicted error in the controlled variable is determined for a forward-looking control horizon based upon measured or computed variables. The integral of the predicted error is computed. If the error or the integral exceed a tolerance for a determined time period, the model predictive control algorithm is modified to drive the error or the integral to within a tolerance. The modifications to the control algorithm may include changes to coefficients for terms based upon the error and/or the integral of the error.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a calculating unit, whereon at least one part of the signals and a marking relating to the quality of the signals and an attribute relating to a current transmission frequency of the marking are attributed. The inventive signal also comprises a marking relating to the quality of the signals thereof, and an attribute relating to a current transmission frequency of the marking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ a distributed algorithm to enable sensor nodes in a sensor network to adaptively self-configure into sensor clusters to provide a desired higher-level functionality.

Abstract: A method to automatically tune control systems, the method comprising selecting a target loop transfer function for at least one plant subsystem in response to an input excitation, selecting at least one fit-error criterion for a plant subsystem transfer function, and automatically inputting the input excitation and tuning the plant subsystem transfer function to the target loop transfer function. The tuning includes automatically selecting a bandwidth of the plant subsystem transfer function from a plurality of bandwidths determined in accordance with limits of the plant subsystem, inputting the input excitation to the plant subsystem, determining the fit-error of the plant subsystem transfer function to the target loop transfer function in response to the input excitation, and continuing the selecting of a bandwidth in accordance with the fit-error criterion.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring an abnormal load or unload operation of a wafer. The monitoring device includes a sensing unit and a detective unit. The sensing unit is for providing a sensing information, which indicates whether the wafer protrudes from a side of a carrier. The detective unit is for determining whether a duration, for which the wafer protrudes from the side of the carrier exceeds a predetermined time, for which the wafer is loaded or unloaded, according to the sensing information. If the duration exceeds the predetermined time, the detective unit further triggers an abnormal event.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for handling an error that occurs during processing of a job in a manufacturing system are provided. The method, computer program product, and system provide for determining a first location in the job where a first subsystem of the manufacturing system is currently processing, identifying a second location in the job where a second subsystem of the manufacturing system completed processing before the error occurred at the second subsystem, the second subsystem being connected in series to and downstream from the first subsystem, and providing a controller-generated repositioning instruction for the first subsystem based on the first location and the second location.

Abstract: A new multiresolution analysis (wavelet) assisted reinforcement learning (RL) based control strategy that can effectively deal with both multiscale disturbances in processes and the lack of process models. The application of wavelet aided RL based controller represents a paradigm shift in the control of large scale stochastic dynamic systems of which the control problem is a subset. The control strategy is termed a WRL-RbR controller. The WRL-RbR controller is tested on a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) process of wafer fabrication for which process model is available. Results show that the RL controller outperforms EWMA based controllers for low autocorrelation. The new controller also performs quite well for strongly autocorrelated processes for which the EWMA controllers are known to fail. Convergence analysis of the new breed of WRL-RbR controller is presented.

Abstract: An actuator (10) includes sensors (12) which are used to detect variables representing the operating state of the actuator (10) and are connected to an evaluation unit (16) associated with the actuator (10). The evaluation unit (16) is connected to sensors (12) and/or control actuating elements (13) by means of a first data bus (15). The sensors (12) are used to detect measurable variables representing the operating state of the actuator (10), and to transmit the same to the evaluation unit (16).

Abstract: A storage unit stores therein a first correction amount and a second correction amount for correcting a first output amount of a first device. A correcting unit corrects, when the first output amount is smaller than a first target value, the first output amount based on a second output amount of a second device that is operated by the first output amount, a second target value of the second output amount, and the first correction amount, and otherwise, the first output amount based on the second correction amount. A control unit controls the first device to output the first output amount that is corrected by the correcting unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new set of algorithmic solutions to accommodate track inaccuracy information in track databases. Navigation and measurement aiding processes are defined by a stochastic mode relative to a moving rail frame defined so that it is aligned with the heading of the compensated track database at the current along track-position. Filtering generates long and short wavelength track alignment disturbances commensurate with track grade to compensate for track database errors; a stochastic error model is defined as the difference between the deterministic implementation and the actual stochastic processes Bayesian estimation of the error variables is implemented via a digital Kalman filter with the navigation, database, and measurement errors removed by subtracting the filter estimates.

Abstract: To provide a plant operation data monitoring apparatus capable of monitoring a plant error with high accuracy without requiring a skilled plant operator. A most recent value of data fetched from each sensor in a plant facility is temporarily stored and extracted and then stored in a plant history data table A5. On another front, a monitoring point for monitoring a plant error is registered in response to an operator request. A monitoring point is used as a key to select and register a main variable point having a strong correlation from the plant history data table. A statistical upper/lower limit function is defined on the basis of time-series plant data of monitoring points and main variable points. By referring to information in a table in which a limit value function is stored, the limit value is periodically matched with the content of a plant-data most-recent-value table A3. If the most recent value is outside the limit range, deviation information is stored in a determination result table A13.

Abstract: A hot water supply device has a host remote controller 27 and a bath remote controller 20 capable of establishing a call with the host remote controller 27. In the normal mode, the call signal of the interphone function is prioritized over the operation signal. The operation signal is transmitted after the call signal ends. An attention calling function to output an attention calling signal during a failure or misuse is provided. The attention calling signal is prioritized over the call signal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. Functionality may be provided in the performance monitoring application for initiating the measurement of secondary metrics with regard to identified instructions, data addresses, ranges of identified instructions, or ranges of identified data addresses, based on counter values for primary metrics. Thus, for example, when a primary metric counter, or a combination of primary metric counters, meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an interrupt may be generated. In response to receiving the interrupt, counters associated with the measuring of secondary metrics of a range of instructions/data addresses may be initiated.

Abstract: A method/system for achieving force control in externally driven hydraulic/gas-filled cylinders estimates effective flow parameters based on sensor measurements, and predicts desired flow parameters for force control objectives and determines required control actuation signals. The system selectively uses pressure sensors to measure the pressure of fluid in each (hydraulic) cylinder, displacement sensors to measure the displacement of the piston in each (hydraulic) cylinder, piston velocity sensors or piston velocity estimators, manifold pressure sensors or manifold pressure estimators, converters that digitize analog signals from the sensors, a microprocessor capable of storing data from the converters and producing actuator signals, and flow regulating actuators responsive to the actuator signals for regulating the flow of (hydraulic) fluid out of each cylinder by changing the effective flow-area of flow ports.

Abstract: The present invention is a network-based system and method for providing a centrally controlled single source location for storing electronic data (including but not limited to part information such as Computer Aided Designed [CAD] solid models, associated textual data, images, mathematical algorithms, and links to associative websites) to be accessed by users creating various products/designs using various application programs. The system includes a central computer system and a plurality of user computer systems coupled to a network. The central computer system stores a plurality of computer solid models. From a user computer system, a user accesses an application program run by the central computer system in order to search and retrieve the stored data files (solid models).

Abstract: Bit error patterns for high speed data systems are generated by randomly distributing a first error pattern of G bits, output from a group of substantially uncorrelated bit error generators, into a second error pattern of N bits, where G and N are integers and G is less than or equal to N. In one embodiment, G bit error generators produce a G bit error pattern per bit period. Each bit error generator operates at a prescribed bit error rate. A distribution element randomly rearranges the order and placement of the G bits produced during a single bit period within an N bit grouping. The N bit group corresponds to N consecutive bits of data with which the error bits can be combined. Each bit error generator can be realized by a linear feedback shift register or its equivalent. Different primitive polynomials and different lengths can be used for each linear feedback shift register. In addition, outputs from fewer than all the shift register stages are utilized to generate each error bit.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. Functionality may be provided in the performance monitoring application for initiating the measurement of secondary metrics with regard to identified instructions, data addresses, ranges of identified instructions, or ranges of identified data addresses, based on counter values for primary metrics. Thus, for example, when a primary metric counter, or a combination of primary metric counters, meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an interrupt may be generated. In response to receiving the interrupt, counters associated with the measuring of secondary metrics of a range of instructions/data addresses may be initiated.

Abstract: In order to flexibly identify the current operating state of control elements which are used to control a process installation, the invention provides a method for identifying the operating state of at least one control element, which is designed for an active and a passive operating state, for a control apparatus, wherein, in the active operating state, the control element controls a process function of an area of a process installation, comprising the following steps: the control apparatus is connected to the process installation, the control element is functionally associated with the process function, and the operating state of the control element is identified as active on the basis of successful functional association of the control element with the process function.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit in a motor vehicle, having a processor core, at least one read-only memory area and at least one rewritable memory area, at least one control program which is intended to be processed by the processor core being stored in the rewritable memory area. In order to provide a method for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit that better protects the verification of memories of the microcontroller against unauthorized intervention, a verification program is stored in a write-once memory area of the rewritable memory area and a service program is stored in the read-only memory area. The verification program is called by the control program via the service program at regular intervals and verifies at least part of the rewritable memory area. In addition, the service program resets a counter.

Abstract: A system comprising a housing, an electrical bus, a connector module for connecting the electrical bus to a power source, a battery module so as to provide power to the electrical bus when the power source is not supplying power to the electrical bus, a sensor module for monitoring temperature and utility power status with respect to the space and detecting an alarm condition, a user interface module for permitting a user to (i) store at least one telephone number, and (ii) store the current location of the system, and a cellular telephone module configured to (i) place a cellular telephone call to a stored telephone number when the alarm condition is detected by a sensor, and (ii) advise the call recipient of the current location of the system.

Abstract: A transactional data communications system and method communicates information within an enterprise having a process control system and a plurality of information technology systems that are communicatively coupled to the process control system via a web services interface and a transactional information server. The system and method generates transactional process control information and formats the transactional process control information based on an extensible markup language input schema to form formatted transactional process control information. The system and method sends the formatted transactional process control information to the transactional information server via the web services interface and maps the formatted transactional process control information to an extensible markup language output schema associated with one of the plurality of information technology systems to form mapped transactional process control information.

Abstract: A controller for controlling an actuator device which is installed on a vehicle and operated by a motor. The controller includes: a motor control portion operable to control the motor on the basis of a target value; and a target-value determining portion operable to determine the target value on the basis of a wave intensity characteristic. The wave intensity characteristic is represented by a relationship between (A) a propagated wave intensity indicative of an intensity of a wave which is generated as a result of activation of the actuator device and which is propagated to occupant of the vehicle, and (B) an output index indicative of an amount of an output of the motor. Also disclosed is a wave-intensity-characteristic obtainer for obtaining the wave intensity characteristic by measuring the intensity of the wave.

Abstract: A method for producing a control output is described. The method includes identifying an error signal and decomposing the error signal into a plurality of signal components. The signal components are determined based on a plurality of orthogonal functions representing multi-resolution decomposition properties. The method further includes transforming each signal component. The transformed signal components are summed to determine a control signal.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous online safety and reliability monitoring is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining operating information about at least one of a plurality of instrumented function components, which are part of an instrumented function, and determining a probability of failure on demand for the instrumented function based on the operating information. In variations, instantaneous probability of failure on demand, online mean time to failure (MTTF), and online safety integrity level (SIL) are also calculated for an instrumented function. In other variations of the invention, alarms are reported to an operator based on the variance indicating the probability of failure on demand for the instrumented function is too high. In yet further variations, the system allows a user to predict probability of failure on demand values into the future based on hypothetical and/or future planned test times.

Abstract: A method of regulating a target system generates a plurality of digital signals which define a reference pulse train with a frequency dependent upon a reference signal. A target system to be regulated (such as a transport speed of a paper transport assembly in a printer) has an output in the form of a plurality of digital signals defining a feedback pulse train having a frequency. The frequency of the reference pulse train is compared with the frequency of the feedback pulse train. A control signal is generated dependent upon the frequency comparison, and is provided as an input to the target system.

Abstract: A method for identifying a control path of a controlled system, and more particularly to a method for identifying a control path in the presence of deterministic perturbations is described. At least one deterministic perturbation correcting signal is determined in a first identification process, and the perturbation correcting signal is stored in the form of a function. A control path of the controlled system is identified in a second identification process by adding to the controlled system the at least one stored deterministic perturbation correcting signal with a negative feedback. The method can be used with machine tools, production machines and/or robots which demand a high control accuracy and/or a high-quality control characteristic. In particular, perturbation effects due to slot latching in motors, in particular linear motors, can be minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing early fault detection and alert generation in a multi-parameter process is provided. The method comprises defining a multi-dimensional space, each dimension representing a parameter of the process; applying an analysis of the process to the space in order to define regions of high and low probability of occurrence; measuring and mapping parameter values onto the space; and generating an alert whenever a parameter value is mapped into a region of low probability. The method and apparatus are also useful for identifying the cause of faults, adjusting the process to avoid faults and predicting a process-specific maintenance schedule.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for producing an error signal and carrying out measures based thereon in a motor vehicle equipped with a wheel-slip control system and/or a wheel deceleration control system. At least one function variable representing the functionality of the wheel-slip control system and/or wheel-deceleration control system may be monitored for an error and if at least one error is detected, the value of at least one error counter may be incremented. When there is at least one detected error, at least one error signal may be output when the value of at least one error counter exceeds a predeterminable limiting value. For at least one error counter, at least two different, predeterminable limiting values coexist simultaneously, and when each of these is exceeded by the counter reading of the at least one error counter, different error signals may be output.